Approach

Creating individualized curricula is a point of pride for Bright Kids. Unlike other test prep agencies that use a general curriculum to teach all of their students, Bright Kids knows there is a lot to be gained in planning lessons for children that target the areas of most concern. With the ISEE being spread across 4 sections, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Math Achievement, a child may already be performing quite well in certain sections and need more time devoted to other sections. In order to give the child the balanced score that private schools are looking for, we create a curriculum that most efficiently works toward reaching these marks.

To accomplish this within our ISEE program, our first step is to have your child assessed with one of our ISEE diagnostics. These diagnostics align with the types of problems and questions that students will see on the actual ISEE test. This allows us to analyze the results and accurately discern which areas are your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Families of tested students will receive an analysis of these results, and we will create a curriculum and schedule that is best suited to the student’s needs and availability.

Tutoring is available on both weekdays and weekends. During tutoring sessions, our experienced contracted tutors will work with your child:

• To analyze their diagnostic exam to focus on those areas in need of instruction
• Teach the student-specific testing strategies that help him/her achieve a higher score
• Supplement with academic instruction in areas in which a child has not been exposed to or is not well versed in
• Give positive encouragement to your child to boost his/her confidence!

We carefully pair our clients up with a contracted tutor who can specialize in working with elementary- and middle school-aged children and most effectively work with the student based on the the diagnostic results.

We offer private tutoring sessions in your home, on both weekends and during the week, for your convenience and the comfort of your child. If you prefer, we can also accommodate tutoring sessions at our office. Please check out our ISEE specials here.  For parents outside New York City, ask about our Skype/Whiteboard tutoring services.

About the test

The ISEE is the acronym for Independent School Entrance Exam. ISEE is administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) and is required by almost every independent, non-parochial school in New York City. ISEE is administered for students applying to fourth grade and up. There are three different ISEE tests:

• ISEE lower for children entering 5th and 6th grade
• ISEE middle for children entering 7th and 8th grade
• ISEE upper for children entering 9th through 12th grade

ISEE tests consist of questions that are similar in style to the SAT, since ISEE is overseen by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that also produces the SAT. There are 5 sections on the ISEE: Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, Math Achievement, as well as an essay. The essay is not scored, but instead submitted to schools to give them information about a student’s writing ability. The breakdown of questions per section can be seen here: http://erblearn.org/uploads/media_items/isee-test-sections-and-timing.original.pdf

Timing

Parents should register for a test date at least three weeks in advance. In 2010-2011, ISEE was given in November, December, January, and April. Test Scores are expected to be delivered within 7-10 business days of the testing date to both families and selected schools. Parents can opt for expedited delivery of results for $30 extra.

• The Lower Level exam takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to administer.
• The Middle and Upper Level exams take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to administer.

FAQ

How often can I take the ISEE?

Students are only permitted to take the test once every six months; thus students taking the test for admissions purposes only have one shot at the test. As such, we recommend that students take the test the December prior to the school year for which they are applying. Please contact us further to discuss timelines.

Who are your ISEE teachers?

The most important aspect of an ISEE contracted tutor is their ability to effectively communicate with their students and adjust to different problem-solving approaches. Among other things, this requires that an ISEE contracted tutor have experience working with students of ISEE-test age. A 9-year-old boy thinks differently from that of a 14-year-old, not to mention a high school student.

The ISEE contracted tutors Bright Kids have a proven track record and have tutored hundreds of children successfully.

How is the ISEE scored?

The percentile ranking shows where a student scored relative to the ISEE norm group. The ISEE norm group is composed of students in the same grade as the test taker, who have taken the ISEE within the last three years of that testing date. This makes for a competitive group to be measured against. The stanine score divides the students into one of nine groups, based on their percentile ranking. Please note that there are no penalties for incorrect answers.

How much does it cost to take the ISEE?

It costs $89 to register online or via mail. A $109 registration applies for phone or for late registration. Check http://erblearn.org/parents/admission/isee/fees for additional fee questions. It also costs $30 to expedite the results.

What is the biggest difference between SSAT and The ISEE?

Both tests are similar in what skills they are trying to measure. However, a feature of the SSAT is that your child will be penalized for wrong answers. A quarter of a point will be deducted for an incorrect answer. Also, you can only take the ISEE once every 6 months, or only once during the admissions process. The SSAT you can take more than once.

Which test should I take? ISEE and SSAT?

The test you have to take depends on the school. Look at their website and you will find out. Some schools will take either the SSAT or ISEE. If your school choices allow for both, like Andover, we can offer an assessment to determine what test is the best for you.